Defect structure of Sb2−xCrxTe3 single crystals

Abstract

Single crystals of Sb2Te3 doped with Cr (cCr=0–6×1020 cm−3) were prepared by the Bridgman method. The measurements of the Hall coefficient reveal a nonmonotonous dependence of hole concentrations on the Cr content in the crystal. The hole concentration decreases at low content of Cr, while at higher content of Cr it increases again. However, according to magnetic measurements, Cr atoms enter the structure and form uncharged substitutional defects CrSb×, which cannot affect the free carrier concentration directly. The observed dependence can be elucidated by means of a point defect model. The model is based on an assumption that defect structure of Sb2Te3 can be treated as hybrid Schottky and antisite defect disorder. Thus, we assume an interaction of CrSb× with the most populated native defects in the structure—antisite defects SbTe−1 and vacancies in the Te sublattice VTe+2.